The City Council earlier this week voted to authorize rate modifications to utility services, effective July 1. The average residential customer will see lower monthly utility bills because of these rate adjustments.
For example, the average City customer who has water, sewer, electric, and gas will see about a $10 decrease in their monthly bill.
The Danville Utility Commission recommended the changes earlier this year following a biennial rate study. The study examined the cost of providing service, which includes power supply prices as well as ongoing infrastructure maintenance and improvements.
In other matters, the City Council voted to:
- Transfer ownership of property on the site of the former Pythias Building from the Industrial Development Authority to the City of Danville for use by the City as a pocket park.
- Release City-held liens on a vacant lot on Park Street to facilitate its sale.
- Amend the budget to allow for a federal grant and local funds related to the Project Imagine workforce readiness program. The funds will be used to hire outreach workers who will reach out to identified gang members and link them to services and institutions, as well as provide access to resources to reduce attachment of youth to gangs and gang activities. The workers will serve as advocates for the youth in securing social services, education and job-related opportunities. The grant also will provide funding for youth that enter into the Project Imagine program's workforce readiness training and life skills training. The Department of Justice, Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention awarded a grant for the program in the amount of $488,595. There will be a local share in the amount of $79,983 for a total appropriation of $568,578.
- Amend the budget to set aside funds for a summer youth jobs program. The program is in partnership with community non-profit partners and will offer summer employment opportunities to 50 youth and young adults (ages 16-24). The total cost of the program is anticipated to be $203,534 with the City share estimated to be $131,193 or 64.5 percent of the estimated total program cost.
- Amend the budget to provide for additional state aviation funding for two airport projects. The projects involve construction activities to support hangar facility development and architectural services to complete terminal building renovations. The Virginia Aviation Board has approved funds that will finance 80 percent of the cost of the construction project and 65 percent of the architectural services fees to complete the terminal building renovations
The City Council also held first readings on use of proceeds from the sale of the hydro plant for substation upgrades, and for receipt of a federal grant to purchase an inflatable shelter as well as various other materials that will assist in its use by the Emergency Management.
A first reading is an introductory step required by the City Code before some issues can be voted upon by the City Council. This step serves to provide public notice of pending action. The City Council can vote on these matters at its next meeting.
These matters took place during the Council’s business session. Also during the business session, Mayor Alonzo Jones issued proclamations for National Volunteer Week and National Service Recognition Day.
Following the business session, the Council met in a work session. In work sessions, the Council reviews non-routine matters that will be voted upon in future business meetings.
During the work session, the City Council discussed federal assistance for an engineering study of the Apple Branch watershed.
In other work session matters, the City Council reviewed the latest financial reports and a request by the Danville Redevelopment and Housing Authority to authorize the creation of a 501c(3) corporation, which will permit access to grants and other funding sources for resident and youth service.